Wigs are no more a hair loss solution, they have become everyday hairstyling accessories for fashion lovers. Men and women both are opting for wigs to attain different hairstyles and swap colors. Human hair wigs were quite costly so in the 1960s synthetic hair fibers dominated the wig world. The wig companies advertised them as cheaper, low-maintenance hair, and better than human hair.

Not then but by now these claims are true. The revolutionary changes in synthetic fibers for wigs have made them near to real hair not just in looks but as in structure. They can be styled your way as the fibers of synthetic hair wigs are now heat-friendly.

What does Heat-Friendly mean?

Synthetic wigs have different qualities and are important to understand what synthetic fibers are and what dose heat-friendly, and heat-resistant mean

Many synthetic wig opponents call them a fire hazard which is completely not true. A fire hazard means something that catches fire easily or abruptly. This is true for chemicals products like spray paints, rubbing alcohol, and nail polish removers. When they are near flames they can easily catch up and can cause damage.

What are synthetic wigs?

Synthetic hair wigs are made up of man-made chemicals like polyester or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, or modacrylic. These plastic variations are susceptible to flams. But by susceptible it does not mean you can’t wear them as they will catch fire. You just need to be careful while wearing and styling them.

What are heat-resistant synthetic wigs?

When we call a wig heat resistant or heat-friendly it generally means “they can catch fire but are safe to use heating tools for styling hair” Straighteners and curlers can be used on them within the safe temperature mentioned by the manufacturer for a particular piece of the wig.

Different categories Heat-friendly wigs

Synthetic wigs used for cosplay, government organizations and crazy color wigs for fun events are made of low-grade synthetic strands. They are more prone to catch fire easily. Since not all synthetic wigs are heat-friendly, these wigs specifically have instructions for the buyers to not wear them near Barbecue, grills, or other fiery places and you cannot use heating tools on them. Such wigs have some specific characteristics;

• The thickness of hair strands is measured in deniers. Due to the thicker denier, they have a thick artificial bulky look.
• Using heat for these wigs can not only melt fibers but can be completely burnt or kink.

Heat-friendly wigs

Three different terms are used for them, heat –friendly, heat-resistance, and heat-defiant. The synthetic wig industry has advanced dramatically in the last 30 years allowing wig manufacturers to produce a wide range of supreme quality wig materials that look, feel and behave like human hair. They have added benefits of styling and the use of heating tools without damaging hair fibers.

Pros

• When we say a wig is heat resistant it doesn’t mean it can bear any heat level or condition. These wigs can withstand temperatures up to 180 Celsius (240-350 Fahrenheit). Every wig manufacturer mentioned recommended minimum and maximum safe limits. Always check the description to ensure whether the wig is heat-friendly or not. The stylists suggest staying within 270-280 Fahrenheit just to be safe.
• Heat-friendly synthetic wigs are weather-resistant, they can retain their shape through humidity, rain, shine, and snow.
• They can hold their style when washed as they bounce back to last styled hair when dry up. You can change your style after washing easily.
• You can use any size of curler for creating loose, tight, kinky curls, loose waves, beach waves, or anything you like. Due to their synthetic nature, these wigs can hold curls for a longer time without using many products.
• They can be styled pin-straight using a straightener. Or use a blow dryer to create a certain style.
• They are less pricey than human hair wigs with added benefits.
• You can choose from a great variety of subtle to vibrant colors that may not be possible on human hair.
• Heat-friendly wigs are a perfect less pricy alternative to human hair wigs
• Synthetic wigs are lightweight now and the color doesn’t fade if used carefully.

Cons

Heat-friendly wigs are all the rage for their styling liberty but are not recommended for everyday wear, as too much styling can ruin their actual shape soon

• Exceeding the recommended temperature limit can result in irreversible damage to the wig.
• Frequent restyling can develop a permanent frizz and dryness.
• They cannot be recolored.
• These wigs have a shorter lifespan than human hair wigs about 4-6 months.

Get APPEARANZ’s supremely natural-looking Heat-friendly, synthetic hair wigs. Truly beautiful styles that you can change at a maximum of 220℉ temperature. A huge variety in colors and lengths to choose from the best quality synthetic wigs at an extremely affordable price.

Mixed fiber wigs

Another heat-friendly option is mixed fiber hair wigs. These wigs have a certain percentage of both fibers human hair and synthetic hair. The percentage varies from company to company and does affect price and styling.  Some wigs may have a 50/50 ratio, some 70/30 mixture.

Pros

The combo of human and heat-friendly synthetic fibers provides the perfect balance between alternative hairs. They give you the best and worst of both wig types. Blended hair wigs have their benefits and disadvantages.

• Blended wigs allow you to use thermal tools to style them. Due to synthetic strands, they hold hairstyles for longer than human hairs. Even after washing, they retain their shape well.
• The fibers allow using most heat appliances up to 210 degrees with moisture control properties.
• In comparison to complete human hair, mixed wigs need less care and maintenance.
• Mix hair wigs are perfect if you want smooth and straight hair
• The hair mix wigs are lightweight this is due to the percentage of human hair. They feel light and comfortable even in hot weather.
• The price is quite compromised and falls between expensive human hair wigs and heat-friendly synthetic wigs.

Cons

• Because of the different types of hair maintenance, it’s a bit more difficult. It is necessary to use products suitable for both types of fibers for better life of the wig.
• Human hair reacts to weather and humid conditions and you may need to style them more often, this can cause a problem for heat-friendly synthetic fibers. They can wear down faster. Frequent wash and styling needs make them more prone to frizz and matting.
• The two types of hair have a different life span. Human strands can last for more than one year whereas heat-friendly wigs generally last for 4-6 months. It is possible to see synthetic fibers losing their grace earlier than real hair.

Take Away

Before purchasing a synthetic hair wig, it’s utterly important to know what type of wig you are buying. Every heat-friendly wig has a certain level of heat tolerance. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using thermal appliances and keep the temperature at the minimum level for longer and safer life of your wigs. Avoid overuse of hair products like hair sprays as they can make them more susceptible to fire.